Raptors Terminate Huffman's Contract

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 15, 2003

The Toronto Raptors terminated the contract of Nate Huffman on Thursday after the rookie center failed to inform the team of his history of knee problems.

The 7-foot-1 Huffman signed a three-year, $5.1-million contract with Toronto over the summer after averaging 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds for Israeli League champion Maccabi Elite Tel-Aviv last season.

Huffman, who was out indefinitely with a sore right knee, averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in seven games for Toronto this season. He had surgery on the knee in October.

"Huffman failed to disclose his history of knee problems. Had those injuries been disclosed as required, the club would not have entered into the contract," the team said in a statement Thursday.

Bill Duffy, Huffman's agent, said a grievance will be filed.

Duffy said Huffman never saw a doctor about his knee before signing with Toronto.

"Just trainers," Duffy said.

Duffy also released a statement saying he disagreed with Toronto's decision.

"Our position differs from the Raptors and we will work on Nate's behalf to ensure that he is treated fairly in this matter," Duffy said.

NBA Players Association spokesman Dan Wasserman said he couldn't recall any team in recent memory taking a similar action.

Huffman was the MVP of both the Suproleague and Israeli League in the 2000-01 season.